Alms FROM the Poor and Alms for the Poor

S - "While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. … Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”" (Luke 11:37-41, 52 ESV)

O - In these exchanges between Jesus and the religious of his day we find two of the great deceptions promoted by all religions.  The first is what God wants us to give to him.  Religion wants us to give only that which looks good and does not reflect poorly on its adherents.  So give a little money, a little time and show a little compassion as you find it convenient.  The Kingdom wants us to give everything and to start by giving as alms that which is within … including the dark, sinful, warped and broken.  Culture/religion says you're a fool to think God wants the seriously toxic realities inside and yet, according to Jesus, that's exactly what he wants … unto transformation and real life.  The second deception is about knowledge.  Religion places its emphasis on knowing information.  The Kingdom places the emphasis engaging whom and what it is making known.  In religion knowing certain facts is the point.  In the Kingdom, knowing and following a person is the point.  The lawyers would not "enter in" i.e. engage because this is the key. Instead, they simply observed, concluded as they wished and went their own way. 

A - Jesus is sent by the Father to befriend and heal sinners.  He works from the inside out so that what occurs is real, irrepressible life rather than stints at pretend.  I admit that he's knocking on the door of my real and complete self every day … wanting in to be with me.  He wants me to give him everything … especially the flawed, failed and toxic.  He doesn’t want me growing in information but in relationship and following.  I accept the fact that I'm primarily the worksite not the work crew.  I am grateful to know that the Holy Spirit wants to help, intercede for me according to my weakness and God's will (Romans 8:26-27). I say yes to it all!

P - Lord Jesus,

Alms for the poor starts with me, the poorest, giving you everything … especially my toxic worst.  I welcome you to do everything already in your mind to do unto transformation.  I affirm your requirement and my willingness to give you ALL!  I will engage, live out loud, your words on about earth as I love you back and follow day by day.  Thank you for 2X4ology and for loving us first and most and for refusing to change your mind.  I love you back.

Unto to no pretend or pretense,

Steve